Finding the key to running against the Vikings defense

Finding the key to running against the Vikings defense

The Eagles and Vikings finished first and second, respectively, in run defense in the regular season, but recent trends should always outweigh season-long stats when gauging an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

Over the season’s final month, Philadelphia and the Vikings have allowed some of their highest rushing totals of the year.

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Four of the six 100-yard rushing days allowed by the Birds came in December, as did three of the six 100-yard rushing days surrendered by the Vikings. In Week 16 against the Raiders, the Eagles gave up a season-high 137 rushing yards.

Minnesota, meanwhile, was gashed for 216 yards in a Week 14 tilt with the Panthers. Also of note, especially given the site of the NFC title game: Each of those six 100-yard rushing days ceded by the Vikings occurred on the road.

Both teams held their divisional-round opponents in check last weekend, with the Falcons gaining 86 rushing yards in their loss to Philadelphia, while the Saints came away with 80 yards on the ground in their meeting with the Vikings. Yet, a look beyond New Orleans’ rushing total reveals an opportunity for the Eagles to find success on the ground this weekend.

Of the Saints’ 80 rushing yards, 68 came from their running backs, with Mark Ingram gaining 25 yards to Alvin Kamara’s 43. The two backs handled 10 and 11 carries, respectively. Receiver Ted Ginn Jr. added another 11 yards on a jet sweep, with a Drew Brees scramble accounting for the remainder of the Saints’ total.

With Kamara in the game, New Orleans primarily used “11” personnel, (a three-receiver set with a tight end and a running back.) This forced the Vikings into their nickel package, typically leaving six to seven men in the box.

The Saints ran the ball effectively with Kamara in the backfield through the first three quarters. Just one of the rookie’s seven carries over that span went for less than four yards.

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When Mark Ingram checked in, however, New Orleans went into heavier personnel packages using their fullback or a second tight end. The Vikings responded with more bodies in the box and promptly shut Ingram down. After ripping off runs of five, four and nine yards to start the game, Ingram managed a mere seven yards total on his final seven carries.

The Saints saw their best success on the ground while spreading Minnesota out with their “11” personnel package, while Kamara — who caught 81 passes on the year — presented a threat both rushing and receiving.

This is a concept the Eagles would be wise to duplicate Sunday. The Vikings certainly had more fear of Brees tossing the ball around than they will of Nick Foles. However, his performance against the Falcons went a long way toward reminding defensive coordinators that Foles can get the job done through the air.

As the teams with the second- and sixth-most offensive rushing attempts on the year, respectively, it’s safe to assume the Vikings and Eagles are each scheming up run-heavy game plans for Sunday evening.

At the same time, Foles needs to make plays downfield in the passing game. That will encourage Minnesota to use fewer eight-man fronts. Otherwise, Philadelphia’s running backs will be forced to run through an increasingly crowded box.